Skin allergies are certainly among the main reasons why dogs and cats are taken to the vet. The commonest, yet trickiest, for the owner to manage are itching disorders.
Itching can normally be associated with a wide range of causes. It is a difficult problem to get rid of and reaching a definitive diagnosis and effective treatment may take time; with a strong emotional impact for the owner.
Dog and cat dermatitis
The main form of allergic dermatitis to cause itching in dogs and cats is atopic dermatitis.
It is estimated that about 15% of dogs may be predisposed to some type of itchy dermatitis, triggered by environmental conditions, food allergy, or simply a genetic condition.
Onset is early in a number of breeds and can range anywhere from 6 to 36 months of age. Genetic susceptibility is also a key factor in some breeds, where the incidence rate can be as high as 30%. German shepherd dogs, Labradors, Boxers and terriers, as well as smaller, and light-coloured dogs, are all more prone to developing the disease early on in life.
Although it is true that some breeds are more predisposed to developing the disease than others, any dog or cat can be affected, so take your pet to the vet as soon as you notice the first signs of itching.
Symptoms and how to manage dermatitis
Itching is undoubtedly the main symptom of all inflammatory skin diseases. The aim of any vet at this stage is to reduce the itching and consequently manage the lesions caused by continuously scratching and licking the affected area.
Skin lesions alter skin permeability significantly and allow additional allergens to enter into the skin. Allergens fuel increased itching and trigger a continuous reaction that makes the dog scratch even more.
In addition, excoriated or eroded areas of skin may be impacted by subsequent bacterial or fungal infection that complicates treatment.
The importance of nutrition
Nutrition plays an essential role in how we manage symptoms. A low-allergen, grain-free, antioxidant-rich hydrolysed diet is always a good means of ruling out any potential correlation between food and the itching disorder.
Scientific evidence (Davis 1989; Davis 1994; Kallaya Eamlamnam 2006; Misawa 2011; Wahedi 2017; Hęś 2019) shows that a diet supplemented with Aloe Vera can help neutralise free radicals in animals with atopic dermatitis, support the immune system by effectively regenerating the skin and accelerate healing.
Discover Monge Vet Solution Dermatosis and its nutritional benefits ->